Alexander Shun | @alexpshun
Digital Content Manager | KFAN.com
On Wednesday it seemed as though a Ricky Rubio-for-Derrick Rose swap was all but certain and that the Minnesota Timberwolves would have a new point guard running the show. Yesterday, 'Wolves fans waited anxiously, believing it was only a matter of time before news of the deal came crashing down; no such deal would appear.
Trade talks between the 'Wolves and the New York Knicks reportedly stalled when the Knicks decided they wanted an additional piece in the trade and Minnesota refused to include such. That means Rubio is still a member of the Timberwolves and will take the floor tonight when Minnesota hosts the Dallas Mavericks.
Rubio has been the target of trade rumors before but spoke Thursday after the deadline and said this time wasn't quite the same as the others.
"Yeah this time felt a little different," Rubio said. "It's all rumors and until it goes down you don't believe it.
"Mentally it's tough, but it's things you can't control," Rubio continued. "Yeah we're professionals but we're human beings too and we have feelings. But I know this is a business and it has to be like that."
The hope is that Rubio will be able to put the trade talks in the rearview and move forward as he and the Timberwolves sit just three-and-a-half games out of the eighth and final spot in the Western Conference playoff picture.
Another key part of Minnesota's playoff push will be Andrew Wiggins.
The third-year forward helped to lead Minnesota to wins in two of their last three games and has dropped 40-plus points in his last two contests and will need to play big once again as the rejuvenated Mavericks come to town.
Dallas enters Friday night's contest having lost four of their last six games but made a huge move Thursday before the deadline, acquiring Nerlens Noel from the Philadelphia 76ers. While Noel won't suit up Friday night, he, combined with the surprising Yogi Ferrell and the once-again healthy Dirk Nowitzki, have the Mavericks eyeing a late-season playoff push.
The game will tip-off tonight from Target Center at 7:00 P.M. CST.